In an instant he tore off some plantain-branches, fastened them together with long, tough grass, laid a few leaves upon them, launched them in the water, and then told me to take possession of this apology for a boat.

I must own that I felt rather frightened, although I did not like to say so.

I stept on board, and my guide swam behind and pushed me forward.

I made the passage to the opposite side and back without any accident, but I was in truth rather alarmed the whole time.

The boat was small, and floated under rather than upon the water--there was nothing I could support myself with, and every minute I expected to fall into the lake.